Thousands of people braved frigid temperatures and wind-driven snow to jump into the Chesapeake Bay during the 14th annual Polar Bear Plunge - but the second of Saturday's scheduled dips in the water was canceled on doctors' orders.

Organizers for the event, a fundraiser for the Maryland Special Olympics, estimated that as many as 15,000 people took quick splashes in the water, which was about 36 degrees, during the first plunge at 1 p.m. Saturday. Air temperature hovered around 23 degrees.

"Last year I came and it wasn't as cold as this year," said Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, who plunged with offensive tackle Adam Terry. "My head was hurting instantly. It definitely took my breath away."